Is it really make that big of a difference as far as sound deadning? And do I really need it to keep out moisture?
2007-11-16 11:07:19 · 7 answers · asked by thatsxtra 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Yes you really do...
First, because the manufacturer's warranty requires it. If you do not install the flooring as required by the manufacturer, you will VOID any warranty.
Second, moisture barrier is extremely important when placing this stuff on concrete, or ground floor applications. You would not believe how much moisture is drawn up thru concrete, hehe.
Third - sound 'barrier' - this is actually a misnomer - youre not trying to stop sound from coming below the floor.. youre stopping it from echoing back from the flooring material. It would be more properly described as sound 'absorption'. Typically, laminate flooring echoes pretty badly, when walked upon. Adding the sound barrier helps to eliminate this. If youve never had this type of flooring before, you dont realize just how much difference this sound barrier can make. Flooring with less echo is often perceived as better quality too. Think of carpeting for a moment - you can take the same quality of carpet, and install it over 3/8" pad, or over 3/4" pad -- the one over the thicker pad will seem more 'luxurious', and feel better to walk on.
Good Luck
2007-11-16 11:49:14 · answer #1 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes you need the moisture barrier and it also helps with the hollow sound of the laminate. when you go to put down the barrier make sure to keep it a little long at the walls, make sure seams are tight and taped together with duct tape it will help keep out the moisture. after the floor is installed go back and trim the edges of the barrier but keep enough to sort of tuck under the edge of the wall, if you have moisture coming in you want it to go under the barrier not on top it will cause the floor to mold, expand, warp etc.
2016-03-14 15:27:18 · answer #2 · answered by Patricia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When either woos or laminate flooring gets moisture on it or absorbed it will warp the product. A vapor barrier keeps this from happening. It really is worth the extra money unless you like replacing the floor every 2-5 years.
2007-11-16 11:15:36 · answer #3 · answered by hondab16tuner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A moisture barrier is critical. There are different grades of underlayment. Some are designed to dampen the sound better. The most critical part is the moisture barrier, though. If you are worried about the sound, you should look into a higher quality sound barrier. They reduce the "fake" sound that can sometimes be associated with laminate.
2007-11-16 11:50:06 · answer #4 · answered by Binding Man 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They sell plastic (I think its 6 mil) sheeting to put under laminate when installing on concrete. Then you add a foam layer on top of it.
There are also products that have both so you don't have to install 2 layers before laying your laminate, just one (I used this product when laying my floor). It costs about the same as if you had bought the other 2 separately.
You laminate floor is going to be much noiser than if you had carpet before.
2007-11-16 12:30:09 · answer #5 · answered by Dave 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dave is right, butonly onn concrete, subfloors dont need them, all it will do is trap moisture if you spill a drink or something, use on concrete because water seeps up through concrete
2007-11-16 15:16:43 · answer #6 · answered by coreykehoe 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes. yes. and yes you do.
2007-11-16 11:15:19 · answer #7 · answered by mp3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋